HOW TO BECOME A PARISIAN IN ONE HOUR?

One of the things I think we've been able to do during this adventure in Paris is take advantage of "entertainment" options available to us.  Naturally, we've done much of the "museum" circuit, the well-known ones as well as some more less known spots (which I typically have enjoyed more!).  We've been to the movies several times (not a whole lot different from Plano but many fewer people), out to dinner tons, shopped, seen the tourist must-sees, eaten street food (crepes, ice cream cones and baguette sandwiches) and, of course, stopped many times for a cafe sitting outside like a Parisian.

Last night we went to a one-man comedy show in English, "How to Become a Parisian in One Hour?", being held the Theatre des Nouveautes.  Our friends, Alain and Therese, had suggested it when we called them about going to an Edith Piaf show.  Having seen other things about her recently, they suggested this show instead.  They had not seen it but had heard good things about it.  We decided on a restaurant none of us had been to and the plans were made!

I don't think it's possible to become a Parisian..you are either born one or will never be one!!

This little restaurant was located off the main street down a "passage".  There are many of these passages in Paris and most are filled with small shops and various cafes, bistros etc.  Sorry for the blurry picture, but you can see the big red arrow pointing you down the passage towards the restaurant.  The passages are one of the surprising, delightful parts of this city.

You never know what treasure you might at the end of a passage...

  Once you go into the passage, you see this...

Looks like some renovating is going on in the surrounding spaces.  But there, at the end of the passage, is this cute little restaurant, Chartier.

We decided to have dinner before the show rather than after (many Parisians eat dinner after 9pm) just another example that have not made the transition to being real Parisians.  Being early, they were able to seat us right away and the service was excellent.  Fast without us feeling rushed.  The prices are the cheapest we've seen, and Alain said it is pretty traditional French fare and it was well prepared.  As were leaving 90 minutes or so later, the place was really filling up.  Definitely a place we'd go back to.  Therese had a chocolate profiterole with vanilla ice cream, and it looked fabulous!  I'm usually the one to choose the best dessert,  but I went off the beaten path with a rice pudding.  My mom used to make rice pudding with raisins (this one didn't have raisins) that I loved so it brought back sweet memories for me.

Then it was on to the show.  The theater was small and beautiful.  Very comfortable, plush red velvet seats which were in a great location.

Our French friend, Alain

The show itself was a little interactive with Olivier asking where people were from and, during the 60-minute program, calling two different people unto participate (fortunately not us!!!).  Essentially, he spent the hour giving 8-9 examples of how Parisians differ from Americans..things like customer service when shopping, dealing with waiters in a restaurant, taxi drivers etc.  Some people were really laughing.  I found some of it humorous but not laughable.  I've decided I prefer music to comedy (which shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who really knows me!),  though there are a few comics that do make me laugh.  But it was a nice, different evening with friends we haven't seen in quite a while so all was good.

Following the show, we strolled a little then stopped in a cafe and got something to drink.  This is what I chose (by the way, the weather had cooled off...just to help explain my choice!)...

...hot chocolate with whipped cream (which I had to ask for!!!!).  It was fabulous and a nice end to our evening.

p.s.  I have GOT to do something with my hair!!!!!  Arrggghhhh😖